The right love a good conspiracy theory. Climate change is a UN hoax. Fluoridation is a communist plot. The international financial system is run by the Rothschilds. Gay transgender cultural Marxists want to indoctrinate our kids. Somewhere there's always a sinister, shadowy cabal manipulating the course of events, providing both a target to rail at and expose, and -- not that conspiracy theorists will ever admit it -- the comforting sense that at least someone is in control and life is not a giant rolling lottery in an indifferent universe.

Now the right in Australia has a new conspiracy theory: according to our very own version of Fortean Times, The Australian, Malcolm Turnbull is the sinister force behind all of the government's problems, wielding an "invisible hand" within the Liberal Party (presumably unrelated to Adam Smith's "invisible hand", but who knows -- perhaps this conspiracy goes back centuries). Fortunately, The Australian's photographers have snapped Turnbull with an all-too visible hand -- clutching an black umbrella!

Good morning, early birds. Scott Morrison has announced changes to Liberal Party rules governing leadership spills, Victoria will launch a royal commission into the convictions of notorious gangland figures, and reports emerge that the Brisbane Broncos' leadership change narrowly staved off a player revolt. It's the news you need to know, with Chris Woods.

Good morning, early birds. Malcolm Turnbull has made a play to stop Scott Morrison's plans for Craig Kelly, China and the US call a truce in their trade war, and there are fears for an Australia-based refugee facing refoulement to Bahrain after being detained in Bangkok. It's the news you need to know, with Chris Woods.